BENGALURU: The Karnataka Assembly premises witnessed an extraordinary scene of political confrontation as Opposition BJP and JD(S) legislators staged an overnight protest filled with bhajans, religious chants, and persistent sloganeering. The demonstration, which began on Tuesday night and continued through Wednesday, centered on demands for the immediate resignation of Excise Minister RB Timmapur over serious corruption allegations within his department.
Corruption Allegations Rock Excise Department
The protest gained momentum following the recent arrest of Excise Deputy Commissioner of Bengaluru Urban District Jagadeesh Naik and two other officials by Lokayukta sleuths on January 16. According to official reports, these officers were allegedly caught accepting a bribe of Rs 25 lakh, with accusations that they had demanded Rs 80 lakh to issue CL-7 (Hotels & Boarding Houses) and microbrewery licenses.
Opposition's Serious Accusations
Opposition leader R Ashoka made explosive claims during the protest, alleging a massive scam worth approximately Rs 6,000 crore within the Excise Department. He asserted that corrupt practices had become institutionalized, with bribes being systematically demanded for issuing various liquor licenses across the state.
"The money collected through these corrupt practices is being funneled to fund the ruling Congress party in poll-bound states," Ashoka claimed, adding significant political weight to the corruption allegations.
BJP State President B.Y. Vijayendra further escalated the accusations by referencing an alleged audio clip that purportedly incriminates Minister Timmapur in a multi-crore liquor scam from last month. "The audio clip clearly mentions conversations between district excise commissioners and agents where the minister's name is specifically mentioned," Vijayendra stated during the protest.
Political Theater Inside Assembly Premises
The protest took on dramatic proportions as BJP MLA Mahesh Tenginkai announced their determination to continue the agitation indefinitely. "We will stage day and night protests in the assembly, sleeping in the Vidhana Soudha if necessary," he declared, emphasizing their single-point demand for the minister's resignation.
The opposition's strategy involved maintaining constant pressure through overnight stays and continuous demonstrations, creating unprecedented scenes within the legislative complex where religious chants mixed with political sloganeering throughout the night.
Minister's Defense and Political Counterattacks
In response to the mounting pressure, Excise Minister RB Timmapur offered a nuanced defense. While acknowledging that "corruption is not a new phenomenon in my department," he highlighted steps taken to reduce malpractices. Significantly, he rejected the resignation demands, pointing out that no ministers had stepped down during the previous BJP government despite similar allegations.
The political rhetoric intensified as BJP leaders targeted Chief Minister Siddaramaiah directly. Vijayendra accused the Chief Minister of protecting the excise minister, claiming that "Karnataka has become an ATM for the Congress high command," suggesting systematic fund diversion from state resources to party coffers.
Congress Response and Escalating Tensions
Congress MLA Ashok Pattan dismissed the opposition's allegations as fabricated stories without substance. "They have no value for the rules and are cooking up stories about the Excise Minister," he stated, expressing confidence that the Chief Minister would have taken action if any wrongdoing had actually occurred.
The controversy traces back to January 23 when BJP MLA and Leader of Opposition R Ashoka first raised the resignation demand following the arrest of senior Excise Department officers. Ashoka had then alleged Minister Timmapur's direct involvement in the scandal, claiming massive fund collection from wine shops, bars, and liquor businesses specifically for election funding in Assam, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu.
Broader Implications and Continuing Standoff
The overnight protest represents more than just a demand for one minister's resignation—it highlights deep-seated concerns about institutional corruption within government departments. The opposition's persistent agitation, combining religious elements with political protest, creates a unique pressure tactic in Karnataka's political landscape.
As the standoff continues, several critical questions emerge:
- The credibility of corruption allegations against the Excise Department
- The political implications for the ruling Congress government
- The effectiveness of protest strategies in legislative settings
- The potential impact on governance and administrative reforms
The protest underscores growing tensions between the ruling and opposition parties in Karnataka, with corruption allegations becoming a central battleground. The opposition's determination to continue their agitation suggests this political confrontation may have lasting consequences for the state's governance and political dynamics.
